Opening: This new show consists of three short plays by E.B. Boatner, a columnist and editor with Lavender magazine and first-time playwright. In keeping with a key part of 20% Theatre’s mission, the pieces focus on the transgender experience. The character Rain was born during a time when the term “transgender” was not used and therefore his journey was that much more difficult. The plays feature, from left, Briana Zora Libby, Heather Spear and Chris Little. Claire Avitable directs. Saturday’s performance includes a pre-show gala. (6 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., 7:30 p.m. Mon., Thu.-Fri. Ends May 25; Minneapolis Theatre Garage, 711 W. Franklin Av., Mpls.; $25-$100 for gala. Otherwise, $5-$25, 612-377-6288 or tctwentypercent.org.)

graydon royce

yes

Opening: Nic Lincoln, a longtime member of James Sewell Ballet, has turned in many memorable performances over the years, and now he unveils an evening of solo pieces in which he plays the chameleon-like muse to five of the Twin Cities’ most intriguing choreographers. “Yes” features creations from Judith Howard, Kristin Van Loon, Penelope Freeh, Megan Mayer and Wynn Fricke. Lincoln promises an evening infused with glamour, mystery, gender-bending and definition-defying work. Political activism also plays a role (a portion of the box-office proceeds goes to OutFront Minnesota). The divine singer and performance artist Venus de Mars opens each show. (8 p.m. Thu.-next Sat. 2 p.m. next Sun., $20, James Sewell Ballet TEK BOX, 528 Hennepin Av. S., second floor, Mpls., 612-206-3600, www.thecowlescenter.org.)

Minneapolis performing artist Patrick Scully brings the Mississippi River Boat Ballet to the festival. No art form requires more precision than ballet, so it's anyone's guess how Scully plans to keep nearly 50 boats; sailboats, kayaks, rowing shells, even a couple of bicycle-powered pontoons in balance, here are highlights from the rehearsal.